There was an obvious surge in energy at Trinity College School this fall with a return to in-class learning and the social science classrooms were brimming with enthusiasm. Teachers reported that students were far more engaged in daily lessons and their understanding of the material was deeper and more meaningful as a result. Involvement itself has long been the hallmark of the social sciences department, eliciting a passion for learning and a genuine desire to push oneself in the pursuit of knowledge (and not just grades). As I write this report, the provincial government has announced another temporary stint online but there is hope, and indeed an expectation, that it will not be a prolonged interruption.

In terms of curricular updates, the social sciences department has added Advanced Placement Psychology to its list of offerings this year. It explores the ideas, theories and methods of the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes and connects psychological concepts and theories to real-life scenarios. This enrichment complements the Grade 11 Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology course that provides students with opportunities to think critically about theories, questions and issues related to these fields; both courses are skilfully taught by Mr. Greg MacPherson.

A proposal for next year that students will be made aware of shortly is a switch in Grade 12 from World History (since the 15th Century) to Canada: History, Identity and Culture which “traces the history of Canada, with a focus on the evolution of our national identity and culture as well as the identity and culture of various groups that make up Canada.” This new course would follow the foundational work delivered in Grade 10 Canadian History and complement lessons involving the relationships between colonial settlers and Indigenous people in Canada in the 19th and 20th centuries. It offers a historical continuum in Canada rather than a somewhat narrow slice of world history.

Finally, some notable personnel changes in the department are worthy of mention. Ms. Shannon Rauh-Wasmund has joined the department, ably filling the economics and politics vacancies left by the retiring legends, Mr. Drew Allen and Mr. Chris Robert. Ms. Rauh-Wasmund certainly had big shoes to fill but she has fallen into the groove quite seamlessly and her students are delighted with her energy and positivity in the classroom. Similarly, with Ms. Melissa Papp on parental leave (planning to return this month), the department was thrilled to once again secure Mr. Conor Eustace who has faithfully served in different teaching capacities for the past two years. Ms. Taylor Herrington, freshly completing her Bachelor of Education last spring, has been enjoying teaching her own Grade 9 Geography classes this fall and, like Mr. Eustace, will take on additional teaching assignments in the second half of the year. Mr. Simon Banderob, in his role as the primary faculty associate for social sciences, has been shouldering the bulk of class coverages and helping to preserve the significant academic momentum that has been established in the classroom this fall.

It is hard to believe that January is already here and term one is quickly coming to a close. Much has already been accomplished in the social sciences, and in spite of the ongoing public health challenges, there is much to look forward to in the New Year.

- By Mr. Blair Keiser, head of social sciences